A tattoo artist at a North Houston faith-based studio says a customer pulled a gun on him after he offered to pray for the man during a tense encounter Tuesday afternoon.
The incident occurred at Remnant Studios, a Christian tattoo parlor located along the North Freeway, where artist Tramell Johnson had an appointment with a first-time client, later identified by police as Bryant Wooding.
According to Johnson, the interaction took a troubling turn shortly after Wooding arrived.
“His first thing he said was, ‘Is it okay if I get a drink?'” Johnson recalled. “By the time I finished designing the tattoo, he had finished the whole pint.”
Johnson said the tattoo—an image of the Lion of Judah—was never started. Noticing Wooding appeared visibly intoxicated, Johnson decided to cancel the appointment, prompting an argument.
“He started getting aggressive,” Johnson said. “I told him, ‘Is it okay if I pray for you?’ And that’s when things got even worse.”
The confrontation escalated outside the shop. Johnson says Wooding pulled a gun on him in the parking lot, but Johnson was able to disarm him. Johnson then retrieved his own firearm and called police.
“I believe I would have been persecuted for being a Christian had I not moved the way I did,” Johnson said.
Wooding was arrested at the scene and later charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Despite the incident, Johnson said he harbors no resentment.
“I really believe, had he been sober, he would have been more open to prayer,” he said.
A tattoo artist at Remnant Studios for the past six months, Johnson said he regularly offers prayer to clients and has never experienced such a reaction before.
“I haven’t seen anybody reject prayer since I’ve been here,” he said.
Even though his offer was refused, Johnson said he will continue to pray for Wooding.
“Witchcraft and crystals aren’t going to help you. Jesus is the only way to true peace. I hope you find that,” he said.
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